General Tso Sauce (Easy!)

This flavorful General Tso Sauce recipe can be made mild or spicy - your choice! It's super easy to prepare in 10 minutes or less. Adds sweet, savory, tangy flavor to a variety of dishes! (Vegan with gluten-free and oil-free options.)

Let's make a delicious General Tso sauce (like the Chinese takeout) right at home! This richly flavored sauce is savory, tangy, and sweet. Plus you can make it mild, spicy, or anywhere in between.

Best of all, it's so easy to make in 10 minutes or less. I designed this recipe to be as simple as possible, so there's no cutting or chopping required. We'll just add the ingredients to a pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. That's it!

It adds bold flavor to rice, veggies, protein, bowls, noodles, and beyond. Or you can even use it as a dipping sauce. Let's get this saucy party started!

Ingredients for General Tso Sauce

For this recipe, you'll whisk together in a small saucepan on the stove:

• Vegetable broth
• Tamari: Be sure to use low sodium if desired, or add less for a less-salty sauce. Feel free to substitute soy sauce if you'd like, but I use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Pure maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds the sweet component. Use more or less to cater it to your taste. (Or feel free to swap in your own favorite sweetener instead.)
• Rice vinegar: I use unseasoned vinegar, which doesn't include any added sugar or salt. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted if needed. (But be aware white vinegar will be stronger.)
• Hoisin sauce: This is a thick, sweet, and salty sauce with lots of umami flavor. Be sure to use gluten-free if needed. (San-J brand makes a gluten-free version.) To make this recipe completely oil-free, also ensure your hoisin sauce doesn't include oil.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce. I use 1.5 tablespoons, but you can use up to 2 tablespoons for an extra-thick sauce, or 1 Tbsp. (or less) for a thinner sauce. I use non-GMO cornstarch whenever possible. You can swap in arrowroot powder instead if desired.
• Sesame seeds: This doesn't often appear in classic General Tso sauces, but I like to include a couple teaspoons for texture, appearance, and flavor. But feel free to leave it out if you wish!

Customizing

Make it spicy: The recipe is mild as written, so include some heat to spice it up if you wish. Add a couple tablespoons sweet chili sauce, chili garlic sauce, a little vegan chili paste, sriracha, gochujang, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or black pepper to taste. I love adding a little kick for that sweet & spicy balance!

Other flavors: This is a fun recipe to play around with. Stir in minced garlic cloves (or garlic powder), fresh ginger, onion powder, Shaoxing wine, a teaspoon tomato paste, or minced chives or green onions. If you include oil in your diet, a teaspoon or two of toasted sesame oil can be added for more flavor as well.

Serving

General Tso Tofu: My favorite way to enjoy this sauce! I make a batch of Crispy Baked Tofu, then toss it with about a half batch of sauce. You can also expand the dish with sautéed red bell pepper and onion, pineapple, cashews, or whatever else sounds good. Serve it over a bed of cooked rice with steamed broccoli or other veggies.

Stir-fry dishes: It's a great base for stir-fries. Include a protein like tofu, tempeh, or cashews, and add your favorite vegetables.

Noodles: Toss ramen noodles in some of this sauce for flavorful, saucy goodness.

Dipping sauce: Serve it with dumplings, egg rolls or anything else you like to dip!

Saucy veggies: Toss roasted or cooked vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans) with a couple tablespoons of this sauce.

Storing

Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in a sealed glass jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware it will thicken as it sits. I find it keeps for about 5 days, but use your best judgement.

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan sauce & seasoning recipes.

If you're enjoying this easy vegan General Tso Sauce recipe, also check out:

• Vegan Teriyaki Sauce
• Easy Peanut Sauce
• Orange Tofu (Vegan Orange Chicken)

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